Our History

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An emergency shelter opened its doors in 1982 in the form of a makeshift shelter in the basement of the First Congregational Church in Stamford.

In the ensuing years, homelessness continued to grow and become increasingly undeniable. That small oasis of warmth and safety from the cold and deadly nights in the basement of the church began a concerted community effort to address homelessness in the greater Stamford area.

Patricia C. Phillips was recognized in gratitude of her vision and generosity at the re-dedication ceremony in June 2013 to honor her many years of dedication. The first affordable housing property managed by the shelter for formerly homeless men, Berkeley House, will now display a plaque that signifies Pat's commitment to helping her community!

The Patricia C. Phillips House residents have jobs, pay rent, and live independently. This is a success story that can be replicated with more affordable housing opportunities in our community.

1985

From 1983 through 1985, under the sponsorship of The Council of Churches and Synagogues, the basement shelter was serving 60 people a night. In July of 1985 a Board of Directors was formed and Shelter for the Homeless became an independent nonprofit service agency. The Shelter began offering overnight emergency shelter, showers, and limited case management services.

1988

In 1988 the Board of Directors successfully raised over $2MM to purchase and renovate the building at 597 Pacific Street which was to become “Pacific House.”

1989

Construction of Pacific House begins.

1990

Pacific House opens its doors thanks to a dedicated Board and caring and committed community members.

1995

Onsite health care program is launched.

1996

Recovery program is formalized and launched.

Berkeley House is acquired (supportive housing).

1999

Berkeley House opens (supportive housing).

2004

Beacon I property acquired (supportive housing).

2005

First gala event is held to benefit Pacific House and recognize the donors who make the shelter possible.

2008

2012

Beacon II is converted into three apartments to accommodate seven tenants. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held in September with Mayor David Martin presiding over the celebration. After renovations, three properties in Stamford (Beacon III, Lighthouse I, Lighthouse II), plus two newly-acquired houses in Norwalk (Vranos House and Parkview South), will eventually house even more people.

2016 - 2017Ninety-four formerly homeless individuals will have permanent affordable housing by 2017. The shelter thanks its partners for their support and monetary contributions to make this initiative a success.

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I gave these folks lots of reasons to give up on me, but they kept saying ‘you’re too good for that, we’re not gonna let you do that to yourself.’ One day I finally went into the recovery program. I remember I got on my knees and prayed for the strength to do it. I got three grandkids ya’know. I wanted to know’em. That was five years ago and I ain’t had a drink since.